Saudi Arabia Arrests Over 300,000 Hajj Violators, Emphasizes Importance of Nusuk Card
Saudi authorities have detained more than 300,000 individuals for violating Hajj regulations, including 153,998 foreigners who entered the country on tourist visas without the required permits.
In response to these infractions, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has highlighted the critical role of the Nusuk card.
“This card serves as the sole official proof for pilgrims within the Holy Sites, ensuring their access to services and acting as an identification document,” the Ministry reiterated.
Starting this Friday, on the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims will begin their Hajj rituals by traveling to Mina for the Day of Tarwiyah, preparing to move to Arafat on the ninth day, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.
This year’s Hajj features stringent procedures and extensive services provided by Saudi authorities, covering security, health, service, and logistics sectors.
To ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage, Saudi authorities have intensified measures to allow only those with valid Hajj permits and the Nusuk card to access the Holy Sites.
The Nusuk card, an essential identification document, facilitates pilgrims’ stay in Mecca and their movement within the Holy Sites during the Hajj season.
“Hajj security forces, along with auxiliary agencies, have established extensive security perimeters to safeguard pilgrims and facilitate their movement within the Holy Sites according to designated times,” stated an official.
“We have also worked to apprehend violators of Hajj regulations and enforce penalties.”
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reiterated the necessity for every pilgrim to carry their Nusuk card throughout the pilgrimage, emphasizing its role as the only official proof for conforming pilgrims within the Holy Sites.
Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, affirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to serving the guests of God.
“Since its founding, Saudi Arabia has been dedicated to easing the arrival of pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques and Holy Sites, ensuring they can perform their rituals with ease and reassurance while receiving the highest levels of care and attention,” Al-Rabiah said.
He stressed the importance of adhering to regulations and instructions to ensure comprehensive service for all pilgrims.
In alignment with these regulations, the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia issued a fatwa declaring it impermissible to perform Hajj without a permit, deeming it a sin not to obtain one.
“Those who were unable to obtain a Hajj permit are considered unable to perform Hajj,” they explained, emphasizing that obtaining a permit aligns with Sharia principles of maximizing benefits and minimizing harm, ensuring order and safety during the pilgrimage.